The difference between morphology and syntax in the Arawakan language Garifuna

What is it about?

This paper points to some of the theoretical dilemmas regarding the difference between morphology and syntax as exemplified by the language Garifuna spoken in Central America. What is a word, and why? What is not a word, and why?

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Why is it important?

It adds to our understanding of the word and clitic domains in the World's languages. This is useful for various reasons: 1) it reminds us that the old writing systems in Europe and other places often make us forget, that what we separate with spaces and call words, are not nature given units and 2) it gives linguists insights into what they can expect when describing a little known language, 3) it feeds into current theorizing about cross linguistic categories.